East Arnhem

NT 822 • Rest of NT

1,194
Population (2021)
$14,612
Median Income
30593.67 km²
Area
85m
Elevation
RemoteIndigenous CommunityCultural HeritageWildernessPermit Required

About East Arnhem

East Arnhem is a vast remote region in the Northern Territory's north-east, encompassing approximately 30,594 square kilometres of traditional Yolŋu Aboriginal land. With a population of around 1,194, the region is home to nine distinct Indigenous communities including Galiwin'ku, Yirrkala, and Milingimbi. The area is characterised by pristine wilderness, rich Indigenous culture, and limited infrastructure, accessible primarily via the 685-kilometre Central Arnhem Road from the Stuart Highway.

Life in East Arnhem revolves around traditional Yolŋu culture, with communities maintaining strong connections to country through art, ceremony, and land management. The region offers world-class fishing, unique wildlife encounters, and authentic cultural experiences. Visitors require permits from the Northern Land Council, and a 4WD vehicle is essential. The area attracts cultural tourists, researchers, and those seeking genuine remote Australian wilderness experiences.

East Arnhem falls under postcode 822 and is governed by East Arnhem Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Arnhem electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
822
Urban Area
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Rural
Timezone
Darwin (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-12.66°, 135.81°
Statistical Area
Rest of NT
Area
30593.67 km²
Elevation
85m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Commute to Katherine

Distance
685 km
By Car (Peak)
8+ hours
By Car (Off-Peak)
8+ hours

🛣️ 4WD required via Central Arnhem Road. Permit required from Northern Land Council. Road may be impassable in wet season.

Walkability Car-Dependent

Extremely remote region with no public transport. 4WD vehicle essential for all travel.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

🏠 Housing Costs 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$35
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,500
Avg Household Size
4.9 people
Median Age
27 years

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,004
Census 2021
1,194
18.9% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$10,972
Income 2021
$14,612
33.2% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,134
Born Overseas 12

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. Fiji 4

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

Australian Aboriginal 1,125
English 14
Scottish 9
Australian 7
Maori 6

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,121
Both parents born in Australia
12
Both parents born overseas
4
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity
51.3%
No Religion
11.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
73 (6.1%)
5-14 years
203 (17.0%)
15-19 years
133 (11.1%)
20-24 years
132 (11.1%)
25-34 years
188 (15.7%)
35-44 years
159 (13.3%)
45-54 years
151 (12.6%)
55-64 years
90 (7.5%)
65-74 years
44 (3.7%)
75-84 years
15 (1.3%)
85+ years
0 (0.0%)

Nearby Suburbs